jurisdiction

[ joo r-is-dik-shuh n ]
/ ˌdʒʊər ɪsˈdɪk ʃən /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR jurisdiction ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the right, power, or authority to administer justice by hearing and determining controversies.
power; authority; control: He has jurisdiction over all American soldiers in the area.
the extent or range of judicial, law enforcement, or other authority: This case comes under the jurisdiction of the local police.
the territory over which authority is exercised: All islands to the northwest are his jurisdiction.

Origin of jurisdiction

1250–1300; Middle English < Latin jūris dictiōn- stem of jūris dictiō (see jus, diction); replacing Middle English jurediccioun < Old French juredicion < Latin, as above

OTHER WORDS FROM jurisdiction

Words nearby jurisdiction

jurel, juridical, juridical days, juried, jurisconsult, jurisdiction, jurisp., jurisprudence, jurisprudent, jurist, juristic

Words related to jurisdiction

control, purview, domination, district, power, rule, influence, prerogative, administration, command, supervision, commission, zone, discretion, authority, scope, sovereignty, territory, arbitration, right

Example sentences from the Web for jurisdiction

British Dictionary definitions for jurisdiction

jurisdiction
/ (ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən) /

noun

the right or power to administer justice and to apply laws
the exercise or extent of such right or power
power or authority in general

Derived forms of jurisdiction

jurisdictional, adjective jurisdictionally, adverb jurisdictive, adjective

Word Origin for jurisdiction

C13: from Latin jūrisdictiō administration of justice; see jus, diction